Wisdom of the Standing Ones

Beneath the vast, open sky and amidst the endless embrace of the Earth, the Standing Ones rise, their limbs outstretched like prayers to the heavens. Cherokee ancestors referred to Trees as “The Standing Ones. Our Cherokee ancestors referred to trees as “The Standing Ones”. They regarded trees as living family. The Standing Ones speak to those who will ListenTrees, the guardians of life, offer more than shade and sustenance; they are ancient beings steeped in wisdom and sacred purpose. They breathe life into our world through the oxygen they exhale, the stories they whisper, the lessons they embody, and the spiritual grounding they bestow upon us.

To the Native peoples of this land, trees are not merely resources to be used; they are kin, connected to us in the great web of life. Each tree, from the towering cedar to the humble pine, holds a unique spirit, a piece of the Creator’s infinite wisdom. The cedar, for example, is known as the “Tree of Life,” offering its bark for clothing, wood for shelter, and spirit for ceremonies that bind communities together. To sit with a tree is to sit in the presence of an elder, a teacher, and a healer.

A Conversation with the Ancient One

There was once a man who wandered into the forest’s heart, seeking solace from the burdens of his world. His steps were heavy, his mind clouded with worry, and his heart ached with the pain of disconnection. As he walked, the forest seemed to draw him deeper into its embrace until he found himself before a great oak. Its trunk was wide and scarred by time, its branches heavy with the weight of countless seasons. The man felt compelled to sit beneath it, his back pressed against its rough bark.

As he closed his eyes, the whisper of the wind through the leaves became a voice. “Why do you carry such a heavy heart, child of the Earth?” the tree asked. Startled, the man opened his eyes but saw no one. Yet he felt the presence of the oak, ancient and knowing.

“I am lost,” the man confessed. “I feel untethered in a world that values nothing but destruction and greed. I see the forests felled, the rivers poisoned, and I wonder if we have forgotten who we are.”

The oak’s leaves shivered in response as though it sighed. “You have not forgotten, not truly. The memory of harmony is buried within you, just as my roots are buried deep in the Earth. Sit with me, and I will remind you.”

As the man sat in stillness, the tree spoke of cycles—seasons turning, death feeding life, renewal emerging from decay. It reminded him that humanity is part of this cycle, neither above nor apart from nature. The oak shared its life story: how it began as a tiny seed, carried by the wind, and found a home in fertile soil. It spoke of the storms it had weathered, the droughts it had endured, and the countless creatures it had sheltered.

“We trees stand as witnesses to time,” the oak said. “We are the keepers of memories, the holders of wisdom. If you listen, truly listen, we will teach you how to be grounded, how to grow, and how to endure.”

Reflections on Life’s Cycles

The life of a tree mirrors the cycles of humanity. From the seed to the towering elder, trees embody the essence of growth, resilience, and renewal. They remind us that life is not a straight path but a spiraling journey. Each ring within a tree’s trunk tells the story of its years—plentiful rains, harsh droughts, peaceful seasons, and tumultuous storms. In these rings lies a lesson: hardship and abundance are necessary for growth.

Trees teach us patience, urging us to slow down and trust the natural rhythms of life. They show us how to root ourselves deeply in our values while reaching toward our aspirations. And when their time comes, they return to the Earth, nourishing the soil for new life to emerge. This cycle of life, death, and rebirth is a sacred dance that binds all living things.

Humanity’s Dependence on Trees

We owe our very existence to trees. They give us air to breathe, shelter from the elements, and sustenance for our bodies. Yet their gifts go beyond the physical. Trees provide emotional and spiritual grounding, offering us a place of refuge and reflection. To walk among trees is to feel a sense of peace and belonging, a reminder that we are never truly alone.

In the teachings of many Native American tribes, trees are seen as the “standing people,” a bridge between Earth and Sky. Their roots connect them to the soil, drawing nourishment from the Earth, while their branches reach toward the heavens, channeling divine energy. They embody balance, teaching us to live in harmony with the natural world and to honor our interdependence with all living beings.

A Call to Reverence

As the man rose to leave the oak, he felt light in his heart. The tree had not solved his problems but offered him something more significant: perspective. It reminded him of his place in the world and humanity’s sacred duty to protect and cherish the natural world.

The Standing Ones call to all of us, urging us to see them not as commodities but as sacred beings. They ask us to honor their wisdom, to protect their lives, and to learn from their resilience. In doing so, we preserve the Earth for future generations and nurture our spirits. In loving and respecting the trees, we reconnect with the essence of who we are—children of the Earth, part of a vast and beautiful web of life.

May we walk gently upon the Earth, with hearts open to the wisdom of the Standing Ones. May we honor their gifts, protect their lives, and remember that to harm them is to hurt ourselves. The trees are waiting, their branches outstretched in silent invitation. All we must do is listen.